§ Lord CHARLES BERESFORDasked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether after the completion of the recent manœuvres several torpedo boats, on account of having run short of oil fuel through being delayed by fog, were obliged to return to Milford Haven for a further supply; whether, on arrival, they found no oil at Pembroke Dock available; whether, in consequence, they were delayed several days at Milford Haven while a further supply was sent from Devonport; and, if so, whether, in view of the importance of Pembroke Dock as a naval base, orders will henceforth be given for the construction of oil tanks there in a position accessible to ships at all states of the tide or the permanent stationing of oil lighters at that port?
§ Mr. McKENNAThe torpedo boats in question were obliged to return to Milford on account of fog, and not through shortage of oil fuel. Otherwise, the facts are as stated. Steps are being taken to improve the oil fuel facilities at certain ports, and the provision of permanent storage, either on shore or afloat, at Milford will receive due consideration in these arrangements.